Associated Press Embroiled In Joshua Bernard Death Photo Controversy

By Gina GomezThe very prestigious Associated Press has recently been drawn in to a very fragile controversy over the release of a photo. The photograph in question was that of a fallen US Marine on the soils of Afghanistan.

Associated Press is alleged to have gone ahead with the publishing of the photograph, irrespective of the after effects it might bring on the family of the deceased. A stand for which the esteemed organization now steeped in widespread criticism and receiving a lot of flak for their irresponsible attitude.

The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill, who is a retired captain, has said, “The lack of compassion and common decency shown by the Associated Press in releasing this photograph is stunning. Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard is a hero who gave his life for his country. His family is understandably offended. I have asked the American Legion state commander in Marine to reach out to his family. Indeed everybody in The American Legion stands with his family.”

The photograph is said to depict the 21 year old Bernard bleeding profusely after he struck by a rocket propelled grenade. The young Marine had sustained the fatal wounds during the onslaught of a Taliban ambush that had taken place on the August 14. From the description of it, it is not hard to assume that the release of such a tragic picture of the young Marine bleeding to death, is bound to cause a lot of emotional upheaval among the members of his family.

The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates had asked the AP’s President and chief executive officer, Thomas Curley, to hold back the release out of “judgment and common decency.”